Introduction: The Lemon Versatile (Unusual Uses)

Okay, I know the title is technically bad syntax for the english language. But it has a nice ring to it. It sounds almost like a super hero name, yet at the same time reminds me of the grandeur of the palace of Versailles. So I thought it was a fitting name for something as versatile and potent as the lemon.

Anyways, here are 5 different uses for the lemon. I hope you enjoy them and use them as often as I do!

Step 1: Lemon Rosemary Wake-Up-Spray

This one is in another project of mine, but its usefulness is too good to pass up (maybe the fact that it's in another project is just proof of its versatility). I hope that's not an issue.

WHY?:You're out on the road the sun goes down, you're eyes go down, but unfortunately, you're speed did not get the memo. You're chances of a crash go up. You're coffee's effect is weakening, and you can no longer distinguish between dreams and reality. But what if there was a fast acting stimulant that you could spray on your face to wake you up? Well, perhaps there is, and you can make it from the stuff in your kitchen!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

Water, lemon juice, rosemary, and a spray bottle (you can adjust the proportions to reflect the size you are using if need be).

HOW?:

Shake up 4 tablespoons of water, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of rosemary in the spray bottle. That's it! Just spray it on your face or arms to give yourself a jolt of energy on the trip.

TIPS: Some people may have adverse reactions to these ingredients, be sure to test it on yourself before using it extensively. This is also edible, if you feel the need to spray it into your mouth for a sharp awakening. This also has a very pleasant scent to it. Also, the lemon juice alone would work to wake you up, but its acidic nature will leave your skin dry. The rosemary acts as a stimulant via bloodstreams, but its main purpose is to counteract the harsh nature of the lemon juice while still leaving its awakening nature in tact.

Step 2: Clean Your Microwave With a Lemon.

The acidic nature of a lemon is what we are using here. It will make cleaning your microwave a breeze.

HOW?:

Just put a sliced up lemon (the greater the surface area exposed, the more acid it will diffuse) and 1/2 of a cup of water in a bowl and microwave for about 3 minutes. Let it stand for about 5 more minutes to give it a chance to do its magic and then wiping up will be a breeze!

Step 3: Blow Up a Balloon With a Lemon(?)

Well, I think this one certainly takes the cake for "unusual" uses for a lemon. I mean seriously, who in their right mind would even think to blow up a balloon with a lemon? The answer, of course, is no one. Because I'm not in my right mind. If you're going to read my instructables there is one thing you should know about me, it may just save your life one day: I am just a mad man with a lemon.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

1 tbsp. baking soad

A water bottle

3 tablespoons of lemon juice

A balloon (obviously)

HOW?:

Pour the baking soda into the water bottle followed by the lemon juice. It is critical that you put the balloon around the cap as ASAP as possible after putting in the lemon juice, as the lemon juice is what starts the reaction that makes the gas to fill up the balloon. (What gas is produced you ask? Um, well, erm... you know, I'm not really sure. Whatever it is, I'm sure it's perfectly harmless. After all, no one has ever been hurt by randomly mixing two chemicals before, right? So you have nothing to worry about. (Just kidding, it's carbon dioxide))

Step 4: Lemon Super Ice

This is a recipe for ice that gets much colder than regular ice. Ordinary ice freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas using this recipe, I was able to maintain a stable 8 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this is only how cold my freezer gets, and 18% of the solution remained liquid, meaning that, if you had a colder freezer, you could achieve an even lower temperature (perhaps even subzero!). This is also in another project of mine, but since its most important ingredient is lemon, I thought it would be a fitting addition to this list. Go ahead and check out that project where I go into more detail.

1. Mix one cup of water, 1/4 of a cup of lemon juice, and 4 tablespoons of salt together in a water bottle and shake (you can mix it any way you want, a water bottle is just easier).

2. Pour into a sandwich bag and seal with a twist tie around the top.

3. Put into the freezer and wait. When it emerges frozen and victorious, it will be a lot colder than regular ice.

SCIENCE!:

The lemon juice works because it has a significantly lower freezing temperature than water, so by diluting it, we are getting the best properties of both water and lemon juice. The salt works because it's dissolved molecules disrupt the water molecules' ability to draw together and bond. Since the salt is now in the way of the freezing process, the temperature at which the water will freeze is significantly lowered, allowing it to get colder, since water usually stops getting colder as soon as it turns into ice.

Step 5: Clean Your Garbage Disposal With Lemon Peels

This one is pretty simple. Instead of throwing away your lemon peels, simply flush them down the garbage disposal with some water before, during, and a few seconds after. It will not only clean the blades, but also sharpen them and make them smell nice.

Step 6: Thanks for Reading!

Well that's it! But that is not the limit of lemon's versatility, I just didn't want to bore you with all of my citrusy antics. I hope you enjoy and come to love lemons as much as I do. You know what they say, when life gives you lemons, throw them at random pedestrians!